NDLEA Destroys Cannabis Farms, Arrests 39 Suspects in Edo.
From Our Correspondent
The Edo Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently destroyed two cannabis farms, arrested 39 suspected drug traffickers, and seized over 1.3 tonnes of illicit drugs in May.
Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander of the agency, announced this on Monday in Benin while presenting his first monthly operational scorecard. He reported that those arrested included 18 males and 21 females.
The two cannabis farms, covering a combined area of 0.783 hectares, were located in the Uzebba and Ohosu forests, respectively, within the Owan West and Ovia South West Local Government Areas. The Uzebba farm measured 0.266 hectares, while the Ohosu farm spanned 0.517 hectares.
A significant aspect of the operation was the interception of 74.5 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 1,115 kilograms at Oke community in the Ohunwude Local Government Area, following an intelligence report. The two suspects connected to this seizure are Isaac Israel, a 33-year-old from Abak Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom, and Precious Zion, a 19-year-old from Ogba Local Government Area in Rivers.
In a separate raid in the Oluku area of Benin City, an 18-year-old Nigerien named Mohammed Isah was arrested for illegal possession of various drugs. The drugs seized included four grams of methamphetamine, 54 grams of cannabis sativa, six grams of tramadol tablets (100 milligrams), and 28 grams of Exol-5 tablets.
Commander Ofoyeju linked drug trafficking to the rising instances of violent crime in the state, emphasizing that it undermines public safety, investment opportunities, and imposes heavy burdens on law enforcement and healthcare systems. He stated, “Drug control is crucial to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s fight against kidnapping and cultism in the state.”
The Edo Command will continue its efforts to ensure a safe and secure society for all, Ofoyeju assured. He reaffirmed the mandate from NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Brig-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired) to dismantle cannabis cultivation syndicates and expand the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
Ofoyeju also called for immediate and coordinated efforts to combat the risks associated with drug trafficking and abuse, advocating for proactive strategies and improved resource allocation to address drug-related issues.
